Tracking the Youth Movement

Opening Day 2011 was a fresh start for a Mariner team that had lost 101 games the prior season. The organization hired a new manager and was looking to redefine its identity. The season has been a rollercoaster thus far, as the team flirted with a .500 record for some time, worked its way to within striking distance of the AL West leaders. The Mariners have also suffered prolonged periods of losing, including a stretch of 17 straight losses.

The Mariner roster has undergone substantial changes since Opening Day. Way back on April 1st down in Oakland, Eric Wedge’s lineup card named the following starters:

These players’ roles have changed dramatically since the opener. Milton Bradley was released early this season on May 16, and Ryan Langerhans spent much of the season in Tacoma before being traded to the Diamondbacks organization later this summer. Jack Cust lost his DH job after a couple months, and was later DFA’d, after spending much of the summer on the bench. Jack Wilson, too, was relegated to bench duty for much of the season only to be dusted off at shortstop when Brendan Ryan went to the disabled list in August. Chone Figgins, too lost his starting job at 3B, before winding up on the disabled list.

Since Opening Day, fans have witnessed a revolving door at third base, left field, and designated hitter. Third base was Figgy’s for a while; but Adam Kennedy and Kyle Seager have each taken their turns as regulars out there. Left field has been home to Michael Saunders, Carlos Peguero, Mike Wilson, Greg Halman, Trayvon Robinson, Mike Carp, and Casper Wells.

Some young players have been given playing time, but haven’t stuck (Carlos Peguero). Some were never really given a consistent opportunity (Mike Wilson, Greg Halman). Others have capitalized on their opportunities and played well (Dustin Ackley, Mike Carp, Trayvon Robinson, Casper Wells).

The pitching staff has too undergone a youthful insurrection. A rotation that once contained Fister and Bedard now contains Beavan and Furbush. Dan Cortes, Chance Ruffin, and Josh Lueke are down in the bullpen; Chris Ray, Aaron Laffey, and David Pauley are gone.

The Mariner youth movement should continue through the remainder of the season. Expect some of the players we saw earlier this season to be recalled once rosters are expanded in September.